What are the Risks of Laser Scar Treatment?

Although laser scar treatment has a very low risk of complications, it is still important to understand them prior to committing to the treatment. Only a few complications are long lasting or permanent, but be sure your doctor fully explains them before your treatment. Here are a few of the risks associated with laser scar treatment:

Long-lasting skin redness. While short-term redness and swelling is to be expected after laser scar treatment, in rare cases it may persist for several months or even become permanent. It usually is associated with older laser types. Be sure to tell your doctor if the redness persist a few weeks after your treatment.

Lightening or darkening of the treated skin. This may fade away in the months following the treatment, or it may become permanent. Avoid the sun following your treatment, as this could make things worse. This risk is usually elevated with more intense lasers used to penetrate deeper into the skin. However, some lightening of the skin may be due to the laser’s removal of the top layers of skin. If these are tanned, the underlying layers will be lighter. This should be regarded as a benefit, as the skin exposed is younger and healthier.

Scarring. Rarely, the skin may blister. If this becomes irritated or infected, it could scar. Do not pick or scratch at the treated area, keep it clean, and use an antibiotic ointment. In fact, your doctor may prescribe a special ointment for this purpose. Unfortunately, scarring is a risk of any procedure that removes the skin’s surface.

Inexperienced doctors may not know how to calibrate the laser settings correctly, or use the wrong laser for your scar and skin type. The laser settings can affect your risk of complications, since higher settings can cause more damage. Lasers should only be used in the hands of professionals trained in their use. Make sure your doctor is not only trained in laser scar treatment, but also has extensive experience using the exact type of laser to be used on your skin. To avoid complications, follow your doctor’s post-treatment care instructions carefully.

To reduce your risk of complications with laser scar treatment, choose a reputable doctor with a good track record of successful treatments. When choosing the best treatment option, consider your safety over costs or other considerations. Overly aggressive treatment methods could increase your risks. Your doctor should be able to plan a course of treatment that will lower your risk while still delivering effective results.

Laser Scar Treatment Guide